"My Dads treatment for Lung Cancer"

I feel my dad was let down badly by the treatment for his lung cancer.

When he was diagnosed he was told it was not possible to operate and he then had to wait for a further appointment to discuss his options.

This took a few weeks and I accompanied him during this visit. We were advised the next appointment would be with an Oncologist, who could discuss with us the possibility of Chemo or Radiotherapy to help reduce the tumor. I felt we were treated like a number and when I asked why it was not possible to operate - I was not told that it was because dad was not fit enough but that 'we just don't do that when we are unable to cure the patient'.

Dad then had to wait more weeks and in the end he actually passed away before he even saw the Oncologist.

I even asked our local GP to chase the appointment and called Raigmore to also chase but as the Oncologist was on holiday no one could see my dad to help.

I feel that if we had been seen quicker and possibly offered radiotherapy my dad would have had a slightly longer time with us.

When he did pass away we had no MacMillan Nurse and no support and we ended up caring for dad until his last with the support of the local Paramedic Team - who I have to say were brilliant.

Since then I know of other patients with the same diagnosis as my dad was given who have been lucky enough to have seen the Oncologist and have been offered treatment. I feel very angry that we were denied such service.